I've posted before about the Writing for Charity event on Saturday the 17th at the Provo Library, but here are all the details. This should make clear beyond any argument why every single serious writer, reader, and educator within, say, two million miles should attend this event. You get all of the below for $45, plus it's one of those rare changes to spend real pennies for treasure in heaven, as every mite goes to charity.

And just to put that cost in perspective, I charge $40 for an hour's worth of critique when I work with people. Many of the other authors who will give feedback on your work don't do that for any price. So you simply will not get this type of return on your money at any other conference. Period.

1. Determine the number of persons in your group and time available.2. Divide up the time evenly. Choose a time-keeper to watch the clock.3. Select someone to read your manuscript aloud. (If you don't have a manuscript, you may use your time to ask the author any questions pertaining to writing.)4. Wait for the author(s) to ponder a moment after the reading. Don't apologize or explain.5. Listen during the author critique and take notes. Do not argue. It is also beneficial to pay attention to the other critiques.6. If there is time, ask questions after the author has given feedback. Remember feedback is offered to help you improve your work.7. Slip away in between critiques to get some lunch, or take a group break. Be courteous to others who are having a critique.

Workshops

SESSION ONE 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. CHOOSE FROM FOUR

The Psychology of Characterization JENNIFER NIELSEN: (Ballroom) Okay, you've put your characters together, but do you really understand them? This interactive class will teach you how to get inside your character's heads, discover their fears, worries, and motives (hint: they might not be what you think!), and help you understand why they might not be cooperating with your plot.

Writing with Style CLINT JOHNSON: (Brimhall Room, 302) What is style? Do you have it? How can you get it if you don't? Learn what prose style is, why you DO have your own style, and multiple techniques to enhance and mature your unique feel on the page.

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Slush Pile LISA MANGUM: (Bullock Room, 309) Lisa managed the slush pile at Deseret Book for more than a decade. She's seen it all. Learn to embrace the 5 things you can control about the process, and learn to let go the 5 things that you can't controlabout the process. This class will give you the information and encouragement you need to submit your work to slush piles everywhere. Because the truth is, you can't get out of the slush pile unless you are in it first!

CRITIQUE GROUPS BRODI ASHTON, EMILY WING SMITH, BREE DESPAIN: (Young Special Events Room 201) The next breakthrough in anti-aging? These award-winning authors will talk about how to create and use a critique group to achieve your writing goals.

SESSION TWO 1:20 - 2:05 p.m. CHOOSE BETWEEN TWO

Rewriting the Crap Out of It DEAN AND SHANNON HALE : (Ballroom) For many writers (ourselves included!) the only way to get through a first draft is to write a lot of crap. The real magic of storytelling happens in rewrites. Shannon and Dean Hale will talk about their rewriting process anddo exercises with the audience to help hone everyone's personal crap detector.

Hands-On Query Workshop J. SCOTT SAVAGE (Bullock Room, 309) The query letter is one of the toughest things to get right. In one page, you have to sell your story, show your author voice, connect with an agent or editor, and come off as a professional. That�s the bad news. The good newsis that by following a simple formula you can turn a so-so query letter into an agent magnet. J Scott Savage has helped many authors land their first agent or editor. In this class he will teach you the basic formula and then review and rewrite several queries from class members with help from the audience. So bring your notebook and your query letters.

SESSION THREE 2:10 - 2:55 p.m. PICK A PANEL

Picture Book Panel SHARLEE GLENN, KRISTYN CROW, KEN BAKER, JULIE OLSON (BrimhallRoom, 302) These picture book creators have tips to help you to expand your thinking when writing a picture book manuscript.